The Post and Mailhttp://www.thepostandmail.com/node/543/atom/feed2010-08-20T14:53:25-04:00Need for blood is urgenthttp://www.thepostandmail.com/content/need-blood-urgent2010-08-20T14:51:49-04:002010-08-20T14:53:25-04:00editor

While many Whitley County residents rolled up their sleeves and donated a pint of blood Thursday at a local American Red Cross blood drive, the need remains urgent, according to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.

While many Whitley County residents rolled up their sleeves and donated a pint of blood Thursday at a local American Red Cross blood drive, the need remains urgent, according to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital need for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.

“There is a critical need for blood donors now,” said Shelby Norris, Communications Manager for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our community’s hospitals and the patients they serve.”

Donors with all blood types are needed, but especially those with type O negative. Red Cross officials say type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage. That’s because type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.